External Content Libraries

ABSTRACT

Content management systems that utilize external content libraries are described herein. According to some embodiments, methods for using an external content library may include registering an external content library with a content management system using an external content provider module, and mapping assets of the external content library for use within the content management system.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/620,187, filed Sep. 14, 2012, entitled “External Content Libraries.” The disclosure of the aforementioned application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE PRESENT TECHNOLOGY

The present technology relates generally to content management systems, and more specifically, but not by way of limitation, to content management systems that provide end users of the content management systems with access to assets stored in external content libraries that reside on external content repositories, as if the assets were stored on a local content repository. The present technology may register the external content library, map the assets of the external content library, and make the mapped assets available through the content management system.

BACKGROUND

Content management systems may be limited in the quantity of assets that are available to end users. More specifically, end users of content management systems may access assets (e.g., image files, video files, multimedia files, and so forth) on local content repositories for use in web content such as web pages, advertisements, and so forth. Because storage is an expensive commodity, content management systems can benefit from an expanded quantity of assets such at those stored on external content repositories that are not managed by the administrators of the content management system.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT TECHNOLOGY

According to some embodiments, the present technology may be directed to methods for using an external content library. These methods may comprise: (a) registering an external content library with a content management system using an external content provider module; and (b) mapping assets of the external content library for use within the content management system.

According to other embodiments, the present technology may be directed to content management systems that utilize external content libraries. These content management systems may comprise: (a) a memory for storing executable instructions; (b) a processor for executing the executable instructions, the executable instructions comprising: (i) an external content provider module that registers an external content library with a content manager; and (ii) a framework module that maps assets of the external content library for use within the content management system.

According to additional embodiments, the present technology may be directed to methods for using an external content repository. The methods may comprise at least the step of virtually mounting an external content repository for a content management system such that assets located on the external content repository are accessible through the content management system similarly to local assets of a local content repository associated with the content management system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the present technology are illustrated by the accompanying figures. It will be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale and that details not necessary for an understanding of the technology or that render other details difficult to perceive may be omitted. It will be understood that the technology is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary architecture for practicing aspects of the present technology.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary graphical user interface in the form of an external content repository browser.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary graphical user interface in the form of a media manager provider interface.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for using an external content library.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing system for implementing embodiments of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

While this technology is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the technology and is not intended to limit the technology to the embodiments illustrated.

It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings with like reference characters. It will be further understood that several of the figures are merely schematic representations of the present technology. As such, some of the components may have been distorted from their actual scale for pictorial clarity.

Generally speaking, the present technology may be directed, in some embodiments, to content management systems that utilize external content libraries, which may be stored in an external content repository that resides, for example, on a web server. It will be understood that the external content library and/or the external content repository may be owned by a different entity from the entity or entities that own the content management system. Additionally, individual assets from a plurality of assets of an external content library may be owned by separate entities.

The present technology may be utilized to virtually mount an external content library (or the external content repository) to a content management system. These content management systems (hereinafter referred to as “CMS”) may also utilize one or more local content repositories. The CMS may employ external content providers (e.g., modules) that each communicatively interface with various external content libraries. In some instances, an external content provider may be configured to interface with a particular class of external content libraries. For example, an external content provider may interface with a Microsoft SharePoint™ library or libraries.

CMS of the present technology may also comprise a framework module that is configured to register one or more external content libraries with the CMS. The framework module may also configure the external content libraries for use within the CMS. Again, the external content libraries may be connected through the external repository provider modules. Exemplary configurations may include, but are not limited to, end-point configuration, transport-level security configuration, and/or trust relationship for end-user asset provisioning.

The framework module may also be utilized to map end-user assets of an external content library that are utilized in various publications created within the CMS. That is, when an end user creates web content in the CMS system, the framework module may be utilized to create and manage mappings or linkages between assets residing in an external content library within an external content repository and the web content being created within the CMS. Exemplary web content may comprise, for example, a web page.

In some instances, the present technology may utilize a built-in Security Token Services (STS) available through the CMS. The STS may be used to establish secure trusted connection between CMS and one or more external content repositories. In other instances, the present technology may utilize an external STS such as Active Directory Federation Services™, Windows Azure Active Directory™/Access Control Service (WAAD/ACS), Tivoli Access Manager™, Ping Identity™, or other external STS that would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

In general, the external content provider module(s) and the framework module may be individually or cooperatively executed to provide any combination of the following functionalities: (a) mapping of external content libraries onto the CMS management structure; (b) provision of content/assets and associated basic info from external content libraries; (c) providing notification to external content libraries of usage of content/assets in the CMS, such as check-in/check-out, publishing, and so forth; (d) block management capabilities for the content/assets in external content libraries; (e) extended CMS search functions with federated search capabilities into external content libraries; (f) ability to modify content/assets in external content libraries; (g) ability to upload content/assets into external content libraries; and (h) an ability to manage multiple renditions (versions) of content/assets of external content libraries.

These and other advantages of the present technology will be described in greater detail below with reference to the collective drawings (e.g., FIGS. 1-5).

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary architecture 100 for practicing aspects of the present technology. According to some embodiments, the exemplary architecture 100, hereinafter “architecture 100,” may generally include a content management system, hereinafter “CMS 105.” According to some embodiments, the CMS 105 may be configured to virtually mount an external content library such that assets stored in the external content library are accessible through the content management system similarly to local assets of a local content repository associated with the content management system.

According to various embodiments, the CMS 105 may be configured to use an external content library by registering an external content library with the CMS 105 using an external content provider module. Additionally, the CMS 105 may then map assets of the external content library for use within the CMS 105.

The CMS 105 is shown as comprising a content manager 110 that communicatively couples with one or more external content provider modules, such as external content repository module 115. The CMS 105 may also comprise a framework module 120 that governs the interactions between the content manager 110 and an external content library 125, via the external content repository module 115. Generally speaking, the CMS 105 may be configured to utilize one or more external content repositories, such as the external content library 125, as well as a local content repository 105A. The external content repository module 115 and the framework module 120 cooperate to provide end users with access to assets that reside on the external content library 125, as if the assets were stored locally on the local content repository 105A, as will be described in greater detail infra.

The external content library 125 may be stored in an external content repository 125A that resides on an external system 125B such as a web server or computing device that is positioned remotely from the CMS 105. It will be understood that the external content library 125 and the CMS 105 may preferably be owned by different entities. Additionally, individual assets on the external content library 125 may be associated or owned by different owners such that the external content library 125 includes assets for a plurality of owners. The external content library 125 and the CMS 105 may be communicatively coupled via a network 135. It is noteworthy to mention that the network 135 include any one (or combination) of private or public communications networks such as the Internet. In some instances, an external content repository module 115 may communicatively couple with the external content repository 125A via an application programming interface (API). The API used by the external content repository module 115 may include a secure or insecure API.

In some instances, the CMS 105 may be implemented within a cloud-based computing environment. In general, a cloud-based computing environment is a resource that typically combines the computational power of a large grouping of processors and/or that combines the storage capacity of a large grouping of computer memories or storage devices. For example, systems that provide a cloud resource may be utilized exclusively by their owners, such as Google™ or Yahoo!™; or such systems may be accessible to outside users who deploy applications within the computing infrastructure to obtain the benefit of large computational or storage resources.

The cloud may be formed, for example, by a network of web servers, with each web server (or at least a plurality thereof) providing processor and/or storage resources. These servers may manage workloads provided by multiple users (e.g., cloud resource consumers or other users). Typically, each user places workload demands upon the cloud that vary in real-time, sometimes dramatically. The nature and extent of these variations typically depend on the type of business associated with the user.

The content manager 110 of the CMS 105 may be utilized by content authors to design, create, and manage web contents such as web pages using various web development tools that would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Content authors may create web contents from scratch, or in some instance, utilize templates.

In some embodiments, the content manager 110 may utilize web content blueprinting features within the CMS 105 to effectively manage assets across a plurality of types of web content that share a common domain. For example, a branded product may be advertised using a plurality of websites that are related to, and inherit basic layout and assets from, a common parent web page. Rather than having to recreate or modify each web page as the assets or layout of one of the web pages is modified, the blueprinting functions of the CMS 105 may automatically distribute appropriate changes throughout the plurality of web pages, as appropriate. Content may be localized for each web page as necessary, for example, by making the assets and/or formatting of the web page culturally and/or contextually appropriate. In a non-limiting example, a change in an asset such as textual content on a parent web page may be pushed down through each child web page that is linked to the parent web page. This updated content may be localized by modifying the content such that it is contextually and/or culturally appropriate. For example, the assets may be translated, edited, or otherwise modified. Additionally, the formatting of the web page (e.g., layout) may be localized to appeal to a particular demographic or culture. Additional details regarding the blueprinting features of the CMS 105 can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/619,591, filed on Sep. 14, 2012, entitled “Blueprinting of Multimedia Assets,” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety including all references cited therein.

In general, content authors may create web content using graphical user interfaces generated by a user interface module 140 of the content manager 110. An exemplary graphical user interface in the form of an external content repository browser window, generated by the user interface module 140 is illustrated in FIG. 2. An exemplary graphical user interface in the form of a media manager provider interface, generated by the user interface module 140 is illustrated in FIG. 3. Each of these graphical user interfaces will be described in greater detail infra.

As mentioned before, the CMS 105 may include one or more external content provider modules, such as the external content repository module 115 that each registers with an individual external content library. In some instances, a single external content provider module may register with more than one external content library, and further, the single external content provider module may register with multiple external content libraries of differing domains (e.g., classes).

The external content repository module 115 may register the external content library 125 using an API. The API may utilize either secure or insecure data transmission methods for exchanging data between the external content repository module 115 and the content manager 110. In some instances, content authors or system administrators may configure settings that are utilized by the external content repository module 115 for exchanging data between the external content repository module 115 and the content manager 110. For example, a system administrator may establish end point configuration settings for exchanging data between the external content library and the external content provider.

In various embodiments, registering the external content library 125 with the external content repository module 115 may comprise establishing a transport level security configuration between the external content library 125 and the external content repository module 115. According to some embodiments, configuration settings may comprise the establishment of a trust relationship for end-user asset provisioning. For example, content authors may be required to present and/or verify their identity before accessing assets that reside on an external content repository.

Once the external content library 125 has been registered with the CMS 105 via the external content repository module 115, the framework module 120 may be executed to map at least a portion of the content (e.g., assets) that resides on the external content repository.

Generally speaking, the framework module 120 may comprise an asset mapper module 145, an asset tracker module 150, an asset manager module 155, and a query module 160. It is noteworthy that the framework module 120 may include additional or fewer modules, engines, or components, and still fall within the scope of the present technology. As used herein, the term “module” may also refer to any of an application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. In other embodiments, individual modules of the framework module 120 may include separately configured web servers.

The asset mapper module 145 may be configured to map the assets that reside on the external content library 125 to the content manager 110 such that the contents of the external content library 125 are made available to the content manager 110 similarly to content or assets stored locally on a local content repository of the CMS 105.

Mapping of the assets may include identifying assets included in one or more external content libraries that reside within filesystems or file structures (e.g., folders, sub-folders, drives, etc.) of the external content repository 125A. Once the assets have been identified, the asset mapper module 145 to determine particular types of information regarding each type of asset. For example, the asset mapper module 145 may be configured to determine a file name, file type, file size, file version, and/or any other types of file information that would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Various combinations of these types of information may also be gathered. Additionally, the asset mapper module 145 may obtain or generate a thumbnail image of each asset that is mapped, if available.

Once the assets of the external content library 125 have been mapped by the asset mapper module 145, the assets are made available to the content manager 110 as if the assets were stored locally on the local content repository 105A. For example, when a content author is creating web content and the content author queries the content manager 110 for available assets, mapped assets that are stored on the external content library 125 are returned in the search results, along with any local assets that reside on the local content repository 105A.

Additionally, the mapped assets of the external content library 125 may be viewed by a content author via the content manager 110 by way of a graphical user interface generated by the user interface module 140. FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary user interface in the form of an external content repository browser window 200. This browser window 200 may resemble an explorer window that would be generated by an operating system, a browser window generated by a web browser application, or any other suitable interface that would allow the end user to browse the contents of a file structure, such as a folder. The browser window 200 may comprise a web content ribbon 205 that allows a content author to manage web content using a plurality of features. Again, these features may comprise blueprinting features, publishing features, web content editing features, as well as other features that would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The browser window 200 may also comprise a content management pane 210 that provides views of various publications (e.g., web content) and their constituent assets in a hierarchical format. The browser window 200 may also comprise an asset pane that includes a plurality of assets. These assets have been mapped to the content manager 110 such that the assets may be displayed to the content author. In this example, thumbnail images of assets of an external content library are displayed to the content author. An exemplary asset 215 of a video file regarding “Albert Einstein” is represented by a thumbnail image. In some embodiments, right clicking or hovering over an asset in the browser window 200 may cause the user interface module 140 to display information regarding the asset such as a file name, file size, and so forth. Again, these file attributes were determined during mapping of the assets by the asset mapper module 145.

After browsing for assets on the external content repository, the content author may select an asset from the external content library for use in the creation of web content, such as a web page. The selection and inclusion of the asset causes the asset mapper module 145 to perform a second type of mapping. More specifically, the second type of mapping executed by the asset mapper module 145 may link a selected asset to web content being created by the content author. That is, the framework module 120 of the content manager 110 may utilize the asset mapper module 145 to manage links between, for example, a web page created by the content author, and an asset located on an external content repository that has been selected for inclusion into the web page. Thus, when the web page is published, the linked asset may be obtained from the external content repository when the web page is requested.

According to some embodiments, the present technology may support various types of content deployment. For example, in some instances the content manager 110 may create publishing packages. These publishing packages may comprise a web page that includes various assets that are stored in external and/or local content repositories. Assets may be retrieved and combined with other web page elements to create a complete web page within the content management system.

In other instances, the content manager 110 may cooperate with the asset mapper module 145 to assemble web pages dynamically. For example, the web page or web page blueprint may comprise references to assets stored in external and/or local content repositories. Upon receiving a request for the web page, the assets associated with the references may be retrieved and combined with other web page elements to create a completed web page that fulfills the request.

The asset mapper module 145 may also advantageously track the mapping between the asset on the external content library 125 and the content manager 110 such that changes to the asset are identified and updated in the content manager 110 to reduce the likelihood that changes in the asset will result in errors in retrieving the content at a later date. Therefore, the asset mapper module 145 may continuously or periodically evaluate the assets of the external content library 125 to identify changes in assets.

For example, if the owner of the asset on the external content library 125 changes the location of asset from one file folder to another file folder, the asset mapper module 145 may recognize this change and update the mapping between the asset and the web content to reflect this change. In sum, the mapping of assets by the asset mapper module 145 may not be only a static or singular event that occurs when the external content library 125 is initially registered, but may occur at regular or sporadic intervals to ensure that assets are available and properly linked to web content, as required.

As mentioned briefly above, the asset mapper module 145 may utilize a built-in Security Token Services (STS) to establish a secure trusted connection between CMS 105 and one or more external content repositories. In other instances, the asset mapper module 145 may utilize an external STS such as Active Directory Federation Services™ Windows Azure Active Directory™/Access Control Service (WAAD/ACS), Tivoli Access Manager™, Ping Identity™, or other external STS that would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

As assets residing on mapped external content libraries are utilized, the asset tracker module 150 may be executed to track the usage of such assets. For example, the asset tracker module 150 may identify when an asset has been included in a publication. The asset tracker module 150 may also identify when the asset has been requested by a publishing server, such as the web server that is utilized to publish the web content that includes the selected assets. Other similar metrics regarding the incorporation of assets within web content and/or actual usage (e.g., requests) of assets relative to their provisioning via delivery of the web content.

The asset tracker module 150 may provide usage information for an asset of the external content library utilized through the content management system to an owner of the asset. In some instances, the owner of the asset may be compensated for the inclusion of the asset within a web page or other web content. The tracking of asset usage by the asset tracker module 150 may provide a unique mechanism for compensating the owners of assets that reside on external content repositories. Advantageously, content authors may utilize assets that are external to the CMS 105 without being obligated to pay for access to the entire external content library. Additionally, the ability of the present technology to map and make available assets that are external to the CMS 105 allows for extending a corpus of assets that are available to the content library of the CMS 105 without obligating the system administrators of the CMS 105 to store assets locally, which increases the operating expenses for the CMS 105.

In sum, the ability of the present technology to register and map external content libraries to a local CMS 105 effectively creates a distributed and robust collection of assets for the CMS 105 that reduces the administrative cost and burden of maintaining a comprehensive content library.

According to some embodiments, the content manager 110 may be configured to allow content authors to modify assets stored on external content repositories by execution of an asset manager module 155. In some instances, proper authorization may be required from the owner of the assets of an external content library before a modification to an asset may be allowed. For example, the asset owner may be required to select various permissions for an asset, such as read, write, delete, and so forth.

In some instances, the content manager 110 may generate a user interface in the form of an editing interface that allows the content author to modify an asset. For example, the content author may be allowed to resize an asset such as an image. The content author may also make any other modifications to the image that would be both known to one of ordinary skill in the art and made allowable/permissible by the asset owner. The asset may be updated by modifying the asset locally at the content manager 110 and uploading the modified asset to the external content library 125 via the external content repository module 115. Generally, content authors may also be allowed to delete and/or upload assets to the external content library 125, with these changes being identified by the asset mapper module 145 to ensure that mappings remain valid.

In some embodiments, the asset manger module 155 may be utilized to manage versions of an asset of the external content library 125. For example, when an asset is modified locally at the content manager 110, the updated version of the asset may be stored in the external content library 125, along with the original version of the asset. The asset mapper module 145 may cooperate with the asset manger module 155 to track and map the usage of the various versions of an asset of the external content library 125.

One of the many advantages of the mapping of external assets for use in a local CMS 105 is that when a content author queries the content manager 110 of the CMS 105 for assets, the content manager 110 may provide results that include assets from local content repositories, as well as external content libraries. Thus, as the content author builds their web content and queries for content that the content author desires to utilize in their web content, the content author may view assets on external content libraries as if the resided locally on a local content repository.

Thus, the query module 160 may be executed to receiving a content query via the content manager 110. The query module 160 may search a local content repository associated with the content management system and the external content library using the content query, and return results in response to the content query. Again, the registering and mapping of assets on external content repositories to the CMS 105 results in the assets of the external content libraries being made available as if they were stored locally on a local content repository of the CMS 105.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary user interface in the form of a media manager provider interface 300. This interface 300 may resemble an explorer window that would be generated by an operating system, a browser window generated by a web browser application, or any other suitable interface that would allow the end user to browse the content of a file structure. The interface 300 may comprise a web content ribbon 305 that allows a content author to manage web content using a plurality of features. Again, these features may comprise asset insertion/editing features, publishing features, emulation features, as well as other features that would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The interface 300 may also comprise an asset pane 310 that provides views of various assets available to the content author. These assets have been mapped to the content manager 110 such that the assets may be displayed to the content author. Indeed, these assets may be displayed as a result of a query for assets as described above.

In this example, thumbnail images of assets that reside on an external content repository (and possibly a local content repository) are displayed to the content author. The assets may be selected for inclusion into an exemplary web page 315. Content authors may select and drop assets into the web page 315 such as an image asset 320.

Other assets such as a background image and a navigation pane may also be obtained from various internal and/or external content libraries as described in greater detail above.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary method 400 for using an external content library. The method 400 may comprise a step 405 of registering an external content library with a content management system using an external content provider module. It is noteworthy that in some instances, the content management system may also be associated with at least one local content repository. The method 400 may also include a step 410 of mapping the external library onto the CMS management structure. The step 410 of mapping the external content library may comprise identifying and selecting content/assets and associated basic information about the assets from the external content library.

The method 400 may also comprise a step 415 of mapping assets of external content libraries to web content created by content authors. Also, the method 400 may comprise a step 420 of notifying the owner of an asset of usage of such asset in the CMS, such as check-in/check-out, publishing, or other use of an external asset. The method 400 may also include an optional step 425 of providing compensation to the owner of the asset related to the use of the asset in the CMS.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary computing system 500 that may be used to implement an embodiment of the present technology. The computing system 500 of FIG. 5 may be implemented in the contexts of the likes of computing systems, networks, exchanges, servers, or combinations thereof disclosed herein. The computing system 500 of FIG. 5 includes one or more processors 510 and main memory 520. Main memory 520 stores, in part, instructions and data for execution by processor 510. Main memory 520 may store the executable code when in operation. The system 500 of FIG. 5 further includes a mass storage device 530, portable storage medium drive(s) 540, output devices 550, user input devices 560, a graphics display 570, and peripheral devices 580.

The components shown in FIG. 5 are depicted as being connected via a single bus 590. The components may be connected through one or more data transport means. Processor unit 510 and main memory 520 may be connected via a local microprocessor bus, and the mass storage device 530, peripheral device(s) 580, portable storage device 540, and graphics display 570 may be connected via one or more input/output (I/O) buses.

Mass storage device 530, which may be implemented with a magnetic disk drive or an optical disk drive, is a non-volatile storage device for storing data and instructions for use by processor unit 510. Mass storage device 530 may store the system software for implementing embodiments of the present technology for purposes of loading that software into main memory 520.

Portable storage device 540 operates in conjunction with a portable non-volatile storage medium, such as a floppy disk, compact disk, digital video disc, or USB storage device, to input and output data and code to and from the computing system 500 of FIG. 5. The system software for implementing embodiments of the present technology may be stored on such a portable medium and input to the computing system 500 via the portable storage device 540.

Input devices 560 provide a portion of a user interface. Input devices 560 may include an alphanumeric keypad, such as a keyboard, for inputting alpha-numeric and other information, or a pointing device, such as a mouse, a trackball, stylus, or cursor direction keys. Additionally, the system 500 as shown in FIG. 5 includes output devices 550. Suitable output devices include speakers, printers, network interfaces, and monitors.

Graphics display 570 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) or other suitable display device. Graphics display 570 receives textual and graphical information, and processes the information for output to the display device.

Peripherals devices 580 may include any type of computer support device to add additional functionality to the computing system. Peripheral device(s) 580 may include a modem or a router.

The components provided in the computing system 500 of FIG. 5 are those typically found in computing systems that may be suitable for use with embodiments of the present technology and are intended to represent a broad category of such computer components that are well known in the art. Thus, the computing system 500 of FIG. 5 may be a personal computer, hand held computing system, telephone, mobile computing system, workstation, server, minicomputer, mainframe computer, or any other computing system. The computer may also include different bus configurations, networked platforms, multi-processor platforms, etc. Various operating systems may be used including Unix, Linux, Windows, Macintosh OS, Palm OS, Android, iPhone OS and other suitable operating systems.

It is noteworthy that any hardware platform suitable for performing the processing described herein is suitable for use with the technology. Computer-readable storage media refer to any medium or media that participate in providing instructions to a central processing unit (CPU), a processor, a microcontroller, or the like. Such media may take forms including, but not limited to, non-volatile and volatile media such as optical or magnetic disks and dynamic memory, respectively. Common forms of computer-readable storage media include a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic storage medium, a CD-ROM disk, digital video disk (DVD), any other optical storage medium, RAM, PROM, EPROM, a FLASHEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. The descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the technology to the particular forms set forth herein. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the above description is illustrative and not restrictive. To the contrary, the present descriptions are intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the technology as defined by the appended claims and otherwise appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. The scope of the technology should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for using an external content library, the method comprising: registering an external content library with a content management system using an external content provider module; and mapping assets of the external content library for use within the content management system.
 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising providing a view of the external content library via a graphical user interface.
 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the view comprises representations of assets included in the external content library along with at least one attribute for the each of the assets.
 4. The method according to claim 1, providing usage information for an asset of the external content library utilized through the content management system to an owner of the asset.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein registering the external content library comprises establishing end point configuration settings for the external content library and the external content provider.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein registering the external content library comprises establishing a transport level security configuration between the external content library and the external content provider.
 7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving a content query via the content management system; searching a local content repository associated with the content management system and the external content library using the content query; and returning results in response to the content query.
 8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising, upon selection of an asset from the external content library via the content management system, mapping the selected asset from the external content library into web content being created on the content management system.
 9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising uploading assets to the external content repository from the content management system.
 10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising evaluating versions of an asset residing on the external content repository via the content management system.
 11. A content management system that utilizes external content libraries, the content management system comprising: a memory for storing executable instructions; a processor for executing the executable instructions, the executable instructions comprising: an external content provider module that registers an external content library with a content manager; and a framework module that maps assets of the external content library for use within the content management system.
 12. The system according to claim 11, further comprising a user interface module that generates a graphical user interface that comprises a view of the external content library, wherein the view comprises representations of assets included in the external content library along with at least one attribute for the each of the assets.
 13. The system according to claim 11, wherein the framework module further comprises an asset usage module that determines usage information for an asset of the external content library utilized through the content manager to an owner of the asset.
 14. The system according to claim 11, wherein the external content provider module is configured to any of: register the external content library by establishing end point configuration settings for the external content library and the external content provider, establish a transport level security configuration between the external content library and the external content provider, or any combination thereof.
 15. The system according to claim 11, wherein the framework module further comprises a query module that: receives a content query via the content manager; searches a local content repository associated with the content management system and the external content library using the content query; and generates one or more results in response to the content query.
 16. The system according to claim 11, wherein the framework module further comprises an asset mapper module that, upon selection of an asset from external content library, maps the selected asset from the external content library into a web content being created using the content manager.
 17. The system according to claim 11, wherein the framework module further comprises an asset manager module that: receives modifications to an asset that resides on the external content library; and updates the asset on the external content library to reflect the modification.
 18. A method for using an external content repository, the method comprising: virtually mounting an external content repository for a content management system such that assets located on the external content repository are accessible through the content management system similarly to local assets of a local content repository associated with the content management system.
 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the external content repository and the content management system are owned by different entities relative to one another, further wherein an owner of the external content repository is compensated for assets of the external content repository that are utilized within the content management system. 